Nigerian Navy Updates Amphibious Capabilities

The Nigerian navy upgraded its capabilities last year with the commissioning of the Kada tank landing ship (LST). Based on the Damen LST 100 design, the roll-on, roll-off ship can transport troops, equipment and supplies for military and humanitarian aid missions. Bow and stern ramps are rated for 70 tons, while a 25-ton crane is installed forward to load and unload cargo. A 4,520-square-foot (420-square-meter) cargo deck can accommodate ammunition and dry stores. A flight deck aft can support a medium helicopter or uncrewed aerial systems.

The Tactical Infantry Transport and Utility System (TITUS) is a 6 x 6 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle developed by French firm Nexter based on a chassis from Czech firm Tata. The modular design allows the rear troop compartment to be replaced with various mission modules, such as for cargo or special equipment. In the standard configuration, 10 fully equipped troops can be carried, in addition to the vehicle commander, driver and gunner. The V-shaped hull provides enhanced mine protection. The baseline protection is equal to NATO STANAG 4569 Level 2.

Turkey is developing a new uncrewed combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) capable of strike, close air support and suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) missions. The initial design of the Bayraktar Kizilelma is subsonic, with subsequent variants expected to be capable of supersonic flight. The 50-foot air vehicle features prominent canards, cropped delta wings and canted twin tails. It is expected to have an endurance of 4-5 hours with a 3,300-pound payload. Ankara envisions operating the Kizilelma from its Anadolu-class amphibious assault ship.

South Korea continues to make progress with its KF-21 Boramae advanced fighter program, with the jet flying at supersonic speeds for the first time in January. There is also a new record for the KF-21 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar being developed for the South Korean jet.

There are new records for China’s Type 346 Dragon Eye multifunction AESA radar that equips numerous surface ships in its fleet and Finland’s Polaris-class icebreaker. Updated records include the Chinese Zhenghe-class training ship; Japanese coast guard Shikishima-class high-endurance cutter; Norwegian coast guard Nordkapp-class patrol ship; and the Swedish GMI-100 Rockan naval mine.

India launched a new campaign to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers for defense equipment in 2014. Weapons Editor Aja Melville reviews India’s progress and the challenges that remain in “India’s Search For Self-Reliance.”

Anticipated membership in NATO has Swedish defense industry looking for new opportunities in Europe. Naval Editor Tom Freebairn has the story in “Swedish Industry Eyes NATO Boost.”

Finally, the Pakistani Taliban is back in the headlines following a deadly suicide bombing that killed 100 in northwestern Pakistan in January. Andy Oppenheimer considers the threat posed by the group in “Return of the Pakistani Taliban.”

Sincerely,
Jeremiah Cushman
Senior Editor
Military Periscope